(57) A colored, sunscreen emulsion is disclosed which employs a water-soluble dye or a blend of water-soluble dyes whose color substantially disappears when the sunscreen emulsion dries after it is spread on the skin and/or is rubbed out. The coloration in the sunscreen enables the user to more effectively protect against sunburn by allowing more complete and uniform coverage of the sunscreen on the skin. The sunscreen emulsion comprises: a) at least one water-soluble dye that imparts a color other than white to the sunscreen emulsion, such that when the sunscreen emulsion dries after it is spread on the skin and/or is rubbed out, the color substantially disappears; b) at least one sunscreen active in an amount effective to protect against the actinic radiation of the sun; c) at least one emulsifier; d) sufficient water to form the colored emulsion; e) optionally, one or more emollients, humectants, dry-feel agents, waterproofing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents and fragrances as well as any other class of materials whose presence may be cosmetically, efficaciously or otherwise desirable.